Application support

Get support with common questions around applying for a job at the University.

How do I find out about the University's location or find further information on the University?

You can look at the University's maps and travel information and introducing the University pages. 

How do I find out about and apply for jobs?

You can find our jobs by clicking into either the job search or full job list links. If you click through to the page that contains the advert for the vacancy you are interested in, including a link to the job description, you will see an Apply link; this takes you through to our on-line application process.

What if I have problems viewing the pages on the University's jobs web site?

The University's jobs pages are compatible with all current versions of major web browsers, including Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Opera and Safari. If the pages return blank or incomplete information, press F5 (function key) to refresh the screen. If you still experience problems with viewing information this may mean that you need to reset your browser to enable cookies or you may wish to consider clearing caches in your web browser.

If this does not resolve the issue then it may be that the security settings in the web browser are blocking information if they are set at a high level. You may also want to check that you are using the most up to date version of the web browser. Alternatively, you could try using a different web browser.

How does the University use and protect the information I provide?

Refer to the University's Recruitment Data Privacy Statement (PDF, 322kB) for further details.

How does the University use cookies on its jobs web site?

Find information about use of cookies on the University website. 

Note that when you apply for a job, you are entering the web site of the University's third party supplier. The University of Bristol is not responsible for the cookies set on these pages; however, you can check how the third party supplier uses cookies (PDF, 157kB).

What is the application process?

All applications must be submitted on-line.

Academic jobs

The on-line application process consists of:

  • a short on-line personal information form, including details of 3 referees;
  • an uploaded Curriculum Vitae (CV)/ resume (file size limit is 5120kb);
  • an uploaded covering letter outlining why you feel you are suitable for the role (file size limit is 5120kb);
  • an on line diversity questionnaire (this does not form part of your application for the selection process and is only used for diversity and equal opportunities monitoring purposes).

Copies of qualification, certificates, letters of reference, journal articles and any other additional documents are not required at this stage, unless specifically requested.

Non-academic jobs

The on-line application process consists of:

  • a short on line application form, including personal information, details of employment and how you meet the criteria for the role;
  • an on line diversity questionnaire (this does not form part of your application for the selection process and is only used for diversity and equal opportunities monitoring purposes).

Can I save my application and come back to it?

Yes, you can save your partially completed application and return to it.

All of the pages in the application process time out if they are inactive for 30 minutes. You should save your application if you need to pause for any reason while you are preparing it, if you expect you will take more than 30 minutes before you return to it. Failure to save a partly completed application may result in you losing some or all of the information you have entered.

How do I know the deadline for submitting my application?

The closing date for each vacancy is clearly stated on the full job list, on the job details page and in the job description.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 11:59 pm on the closing date.

How do I know that my application has been received?

Once you have submitted your application on line you will receive an acknowledgement by email.

How will you update me on the progress of my application?

We will update you via email as soon as there is any news on your application.

How do I obtain the application form and job details in an alternative format?

If you need the application form or any part of the vacancy details in an alternative format (e.g. Braille, large print, audio CD/ tape or e-text), contact the HR Resourcing Team at recruitment@bristol.ac.uk.

Why do I have to provide details of referees?

The application process for academic roles requires you to provide the contact details of three referees who can be contacted to provide an employment reference regarding your suitability for the job. For non-academic roles, references are taken up at the point of a job offer.

How is the diversity information I provide used?

The information on equality and diversity that you are asked to provide in your application (ie gender, ethnic origin etc) is electronically detached from your on line application upon receipt and will not be used as part of the selection process in any way. This information will be treated in strict confidence and will only be used to help the University monitor the effectiveness of its Equity and Diversity policy in this area.

What should I do if I have a disability or health condition that may impact on the recruitment process?

If you consider yourself to be a disabled person, you will be given the opportunity on the application form to confirm if you have any equipment, special arrangements or facilities related to your disability that you may require to enable you to attend an interview, complete a test or another part of the selection process.

The University will ensure that the required adjustments are fully considered and endeavour to meet your request wherever possible and reasonable.

What if I am an overseas national from outside the UK who needs permission to work in the UK?

The University has a legal responsibility to ensure that all employees are entitled to live and work in the UK. If you are an overseas national from outside the UK and currently do not have permission to work in the UK (through a UK work visa or other permission), note that you would need to apply for a visa to work in the UK. 

For some job vacancies that fall into the roles into the skilled worker eligible occupations and codes the University may be able to sponsor a suitably qualified candidate as part of the process of obtaining a visa from the UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) service. 

If you have any queries regarding your entitlement to apply for one of our job vacancies email recruitment@bristol.ac.uk or hr-international-adviser-staff@bristol.ac.uk

You can also check our page on UK visas and immigration information for managers and staff.

Who is able to access the 'internal candidates' jobs pages?

You will have to have a standard 'staff login' for University of Bristol systems in order to access these pages as they are password protected.

These pages include jobs open to all candidates but also those which are only open to University of Bristol employees in the first instance (administrative and technical posts at mid-level grades, to provide career development opportunities for existing more junior staff).

You will be able to apply for 'internal only' vacancies if you have employment with the University as an open-ended, fixed-term or Teaching Support staff member, via an Internship or Apprenticeship or as a TSS Admin/Clerical worker.

PGR students can also access internal vacancies.

If such vacancies are not filled internally then they will be advertised again, open to all candidates to apply.

If you are a member of staff who does not have a standard 'staff login' for University of Bristol systems then speak to your manager or IT Services if you wish to obtain this. Alternatively you can access all jobs, except those restricted to internal candidates, through the 'external candidates' links from the jobs homepage.

How does the selection process work?

After the closing date for the job vacancy, all applications will be considered by the selection panel at the short-listing stage; this is the initial assessment of which candidates best meet the selection criteria for the vacancy, as outlined in the job description, and will be invited to the next stage in the selection process. 

For senior posts, or job vacancies that have a very large response, this may be preceded by an initial long-listing stage to identify applicants who meet the essential criteria. Candidates who are not long- or short-listed will be informed by email.

Short-listed candidates will be invited to attend the next stage in the selection process, and will normally be given two to three weeks notice in order to prepare for this. This stage will normally involve an interview and may also include other selection methods as appropriate, such as a presentation, work-based test or an informal meeting with other team members; full details will be provided when candidates are invited to attend. References will also be taken up at this stage for academic posts, but will only be requested with your prior permission.

If you are are invited to attend, you will be asked to confirm your attendance as soon as possible. If you find that you are unable to attend on the date or time set, contact us at the earliest opportunity. Although the University may not be able to re-schedule, we will fully consider whether we can accommodate your needs, taking your circumstances into account.

If you are unsuccessful at any stage in the process you will receive an email confirming this.

How do I contact the University if I have any further queries?

If you have any queries regarding the University's recruitment and selection process contact us at recruitment@bristol.ac.uk and we will respond to your query as soon as we are able to. Where your query is urgent we will always try to respond quickly.